Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
1939
The first of Franco's troops, along with Italian tanks, roll into Barcelona and parade
down Avinguda Diagonal. Thousands flee the city towards the French border.
1940
Hitler's henchman and chief of the SS, Heinrich Himmler, visits Barcelona, stays at
the Ritz, enjoys a folkloric show at Poble Espanyol and has his wallet stolen.
1957
The Francoist Josep Maria de Porcioles becomes mayor of Barcelona and remains in
charge until 1973. He presides over a willy-nilly building spree in the city.
1980
Right-wing Catalan nationalist Jordi Pujol is elected president of the resurrected
Catalan regional government at the head of the CiU coalition; he remains in power
without interruption until 2003.
1992
Barcelona takes centre stage as it hosts the summer Olympic Games. In preparation
the city undergoes a radical renovation program whose momentum continues today.
January 1994
The Gran Teatre del Liceu, Barcelona's opera house, burns to the ground as a spark
from a welder's blowtorch sets the stage alight. It is rebuilt and reopens in 1999.
2003
Popular former mayor of Barcelona, Pasqual Maragall becomes the first Socialist
president of Catalonia in tight elections after Pujol steps aside in favour of CiU's Artur
Mas.
2006
The Catalan government negotiates a new autonomy statute with Madrid in a com-
promise that leaves many unsatisfied and ultimately leads to the fall of Maragall.
2010
